This Ritz Cracker meatloaf is a flavor-packed, southern-style meatloaf that’s tender, juicy, and full of savory goodness. Ground beef combines with finely diced bell peppers, onions, crushed Ritz Crackers and simple seasonings, then finishes with a sweet chili glaze that caramelizes on top. It’s an easy, family-friendly comfort food that tastes even better the next day and makes an excellent sandwich filling.
For another tasty meatloaf recipe, click here.
Or serve this with creamy sour cream mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
Why this Recipe Works
If you’re not usually a meatloaf fan, this version may change your mind. The secret ingredient is Ritz Crackers — used in place of breadcrumbs they lend a buttery, slightly savory flavor and help keep the loaf moist and tender. Using ground beef with higher fat content (80–85%) also contributes to a juicy texture. The added bell peppers, onions and seasonings create layers of flavor, and the sweet chili glaze gives the finished loaf a glossy, slightly sweet heat that complements the meat.
How to Make Tender, Moist Meatloaf
Dry or tough meatloaf is often the result of a few common mistakes. Follow these tips to ensure a soft, juicy result:
- Keep the liquid: Milk soaked into the crushed Ritz Crackers adds moisture and helps the loaf hold together.
- Mix gently: Overmixing the meat will make it dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Include the eggs: Eggs bind the mixture and add moisture; don’t skip them.
- Cook at the right temperature: Bake at a steady oven temperature rather than turning the heat up to speed things along, which can dry out the meat.
- Let it rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest 10 minutes after baking so juices redistribute and slices hold together.
The ideal oven temperature for this recipe is 350–375°F; I prefer 375°F. A 2 lb meatloaf typically finishes in 50–75 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Loaf Pan or No Loaf Pan?
You can use a loaf pan or shape the meat on a foil-lined baking sheet. I often form the loaf by hand on a foil-lined sheet and wrap foil around the base for support. Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup simple.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
Ritz Crackers Meatloaf Ingredients
- Ground beef: 80–85% fat for a juicy loaf.
- Red and green bell peppers: Finely diced for balanced sweetness and color.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for a smooth texture throughout.
- Minced garlic: Adds a bright garlic note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind and moisten the mixture.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers: About 1 cup, crushed into fine crumbs and mixed with milk.
- Whole milk: About 3/4 cup to soak the cracker crumbs.
- Slightly dried basil: Adds a fresh herb flavor.
- Dijon mustard: For a subtle tang (yellow mustard works as a substitute).
- Worcestershire sauce: For depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Dried parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Sweet Chili Glaze: Ketchup, sweet chili sauce and brown sugar.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Sauté the finely diced bell peppers and onions in butter or vegetable oil over medium heat until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat to cool.
- Make the Ritz cracker crumbs: place crushed crackers in a bowl, pour in the milk, and stir. Let the mixture sit about 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a large bowl combine the ground beef, milk-soaked cracker crumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, basil, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and the dried seasonings. Mix gently by hand until just combined; do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet and wrap the base with a bit of foil if desired for support.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking ketchup, sweet chili sauce and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Bake 30 minutes, then spoon the remaining glaze over the top and continue baking another 30–45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Make a Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich
This meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches. Use ciabatta, French bread, hamburger buns—or for a classic diner-style sandwich, thick slices of white bread. For a hot sandwich, pan-toast the bread with butter, warm a thick slice of meatloaf in a skillet, top with cheese and let it melt. You can serve it open-faced or closed with your favorite toppings.
Meatloaf Sandwich Topping Ideas
Slice of cheese
Sautéed red onions
Onion rings
Crisp lettuce
Tomato
Fresh spinach
Tips, Storage and Notes
Seasoning update: Seasonings can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer a milder profile, reduce garlic and onion powder; for a bolder flavor increase them slightly. The recipe is flexible.
Baking sheet tip: Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup much easier.
Resting: Let the meatloaf rest about 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers or wrapped tightly for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cool to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, place in a freezer bag, label and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Servings and nutrition: This recipe yields about 8 servings. Estimated nutrition per serving: 450 kcal; adjust portions and ingredients to suit dietary needs.
Ritz Cracker Meatloaf
10 mins
1 hr
1 hr
Dinner, Lunch
American, Southern
8 people
450 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 lb ground beef (80–85% fat)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp slightly dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
Sweet Chili Glaze
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced peppers and onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then remove from heat to cool.
- Combine crushed Ritz Crackers and milk in a bowl, stir and let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, milk-cracker mixture, sautéed vegetables, eggs, Worcestershire, Dijon, herbs and seasonings. Mix gently by hand until just combined. Shape into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread half the glaze over the top of the loaf. Bake 30 minutes, then add the remaining glaze and continue baking until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (about 30–45 more minutes). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Adjust seasoning amounts to taste. A milder profile works well for most families, but you can increase garlic or onion powder if you prefer bolder flavors. Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 450 kcal | Carbs: 33 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 25 g